State govt informs Supreme Court that KM Mani was a corrupt man; Kerala Congress(M) seeks clarification from lawyer

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While considering the pleas relating to a criminal case lodged in connection with the ruckus that took place inside Kerala Assembly in 2015, the Kerala government informed the Supreme court that former minister KM Mani was a corrupt person. It was senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, who informed this to the court while appearing for the government.

"KM Mani was corrupt. That was why his budget presentation was obstructed by the MLAs", the government lawyer said. However, the Kerala Congress M came out against the government's argument. Lashing out at the lawyer's remark, Kerala Congress (M) said that what was said in the court about KM Mani was wrong. It also asked the government to seek an immediate explanation from the lawyer.

During the hearing conducted on Monday through video-conferencing, the apex court referred to the incident in the Kerala Assembly and observed that the MLAs had obstructed presentation of finance budget and such behaviour cannot be accepted.

“We will not condone this kind of behaviour of MLAs who, on the floor of the house, throw mikes and destroys public property,” said the bench, which posted the matter for hearing on July 15.